Policy & Regulations

This channel includes news coverage of healthcare policy and regulations set by Congress, the states, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and medical associations and societies.

FTC sues PBMs and GPOs for insulin price collusion
In a statement announcing its lawsuit, the FTC said Caremark, Optum RX and Express Scripts benefit from manufacturer rebates and ignore lower-costing drugs as a way to artificially increase prices.
FTC sues drug middlemen over insulin prices, puts others on notice
The FTC alleges that pharmacy benefit managers have set up a system where they get rich, while patients are forced to pay rising insulin costs. The agency also called out drug manufacturers such as Eli Lilly, Sanofi and Novo Nordisk, saying their own actions have raised serious concerns.
Study ranks US health system dead last among wealthy nations
Low rankings for accessibility and outcomes earned the country the overall lowest ranking in an analysis of healthcare systems across 10 nations.
Landmark opioid trial in Baltimore set to begin; Johnson & Johnson settles to avoid jury
Six companies have settled with the city for as total of over $402M. Two remaining defendants, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen, will test their luck in court.
Coalition of 86 healthcare groups calls for change to Affordable Care Act rule
In a letter to Congress, the groups are urging lawmakers to support HR 9001 and lift the ban on physician-run hospitals.

Pharma industry spending on lobbying exploded in 2018

The trade group for the U.S.'s top drugmakers spent a record amount—$27.5 million—on lobbying efforts in 2018, according to Bloomberg.

January 23, 2019

More groups ask CMS to push back ACO deadline

More industry groups are pushing back against an upcoming deadline for accountable care organizations (ACOs) to apply to the updated Medicare Shared Savings Program.

January 22, 2019

Medicare reimbursements don’t cover the cost of care

Medicare payments in 2019 aren’t likely to cover the cost of delivering care for two-thirds of medical practices, according to a survey from the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA).

January 22, 2019

As insulin prices rise, managing diabetes becomes more expensive

The average annual cost of managing type 1 diabetes has skyrocketed, with the rising cost of insulin being a main contributor, according to a new issue brief from the Health Care Cost Institute.

January 22, 2019

Concern over ACA ruling grows as appeal on pause

Many Americans with disabilities and pre-existing conditions are concerned about their future if a ruling that overturns the Affordable Care Act remains in place.

January 21, 2019

Doctor perspective: Climate change is a health emergency

Climate change impacts, from more harmful pollution to wildfire injuries, are negatively influencing human life. But doctors can help, according to two physicians who wrote a perspective in the New England Journal of Medicine.

January 21, 2019

Arizona’s Medicaid work requirements approved

Arizona is the latest state to have approval for a Medicaid work requirement program—joining seven other states with approved programs.

January 21, 2019

CVS and Walmart come to agreement after drug pricing battle

CVS Health and Walmart have reached a new, multiyear deal to continue their pharmacy business relationship. CVS announced the agreement Jan. 18, three days after the companies stated they would no longer be in the same network for filling prescription drugs after a pricing dispute.

January 18, 2019

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

FTC sues drug middlemen over insulin prices, puts others on notice

The FTC alleges that pharmacy benefit managers have set up a system where they get rich, while patients are forced to pay rising insulin costs. The agency also called out drug manufacturers such as Eli Lilly, Sanofi and Novo Nordisk, saying their own actions have raised serious concerns.

Cardiovascular Business

Cath lab techs and nurses see new normal with post-COVID pay

In the post-COVID era, wages for permanent RNs are rising, and wages for travelers are decreasing. A new report tracked these trends and more.

Cardiovascular Business

Merit Medical to purchase Cook Medical’s lead management portfolio for $210M

Two medical device companies have announced a transaction that could shake up the U.S. electrophysiology market.